HERE'S WHAT'S ON THE MENU IN IDAHO THIS SPRING

Skiing late March and early April in Idaho is special. Burgers grilling on the deck, corn snow on the slopes, pond-skimming at the base and sunscreen on rosy cheeks—served under blue sky and sunshine.

As we near the end of another amazing season of big time winter in the northwest, there’s no reason to stow your gear—get it while the getting is good. Several mountains in Idaho are still open. A relentless parade of storms in late March and early April have created some of the best conditions—and best lodging deals of the season.

For one more weekend, April 11-12, Sun Valley, Bogus Basin, Brundage, Grand Targhee, Lookout Pass and Silver Mountain will keep the lifts, and the fun turning. Up north, Silver Mountain and Lookout, with so much snow, may stay open for several Saturdays in April. Silver will host its 4th annual Leadman Triathlon April 25. Learn more about that crazy event below.

Blue skies, mild temperatures and hero snow make spring a great time to be on the slopes. In addition to better visibility and better weather, spring skiers can count on shorter lift lines and wide-open runs.

Spring is also time to think about next winter. Season pass sales have started at all your favorite resorts. Buy now and save from 40-60 percent on next year’s winter fun. Incredible discounts are available at most mountains until the end of May.

It’s also time to think about glorious summer days. Check out our quick overview of things to come. Winter’s done, but the fun will go on in the mountains of Idaho. ~ Bill Jennings. 

LEADMAN '09 TRIATHLON SET FOR APRIL 25TH AT SILVER MOUNTAIN

There are triathlons that test the limits of strength and endurance and then there are competitions for those who prefer a rowdy course and might be a bit softer than the traditional Ironman athlete. The 5th Annual Nasco LEADMAN ’09 at Silver Mountain Resort is in the latter category. Competition is open to individuals or teams.

The first leg is a mile long, thigh-burning decent on skis or snowboard down the last of the year's white stuff. The race is something every skier should experience. It begins with a “LeMans” start. Contestants set their skis or board at the starting line. The field is held back about 50 yards. When the gun goes off, it’s a mad dash to click in and go. The descent is wild and wooly.

The second leg presents an intermediate / advanced downhill mountain bike ride down the mountain through the slushy mud from the spring run off. This stage of the event is truly a mud bath. Finally – now that the legs are warmed up – contestants ditch their bike and run roughly 4 miles to the finish line.

A barbeque and live band are part of the post-race celebration at Silver Mountain’s Gondola Village. Winners and placers in solo and team categories are awarded great schwag. The event is scheduled is hosted by the Kellogg Rotary Club. Money raised will benefit the Silver Valley Sparrow Club, a program where kids help other kids with medical needs.

Seeing is believing. Check out this great video of last year’s race: http://silvermt.com/video/
Event sponsors and volunteers are needed and invited to participate. Contestants save money by signing up before April 18th. For more information, entry forms and sponsorship details visit www.leadmantriathlon.com or call (208) 783-1507

LOOKING AHEAD TO SUMMER!

Bogus Basin - Hiking and biking trails as well as a disc golf course are open during the summer months, once the snow melts. The lodges are also available for private group functions such as weddings & receptions; reunions; retreats; meetings and parties. Contact our Catering Department at 332-5266 for more information.

Brundage - Brundage Mountain is a hub of activity during the summer months:

Lift-Served Mountain Biking - a relaxing ride in a gorgeous setting, or the adrenaline rush that only a high-altitude adventure can provide.

River Rafting - Brundage Mountain offers whitewater rafting on the Salmon River. Whether you only have a half day to sample a river adventure, or four full days for an amazing vacation experience, we have a trip for you!

Scenic Chairlift Rides - You don’t have to be a biker to enjoy the ride and the views. Sit back and let the chairlift get you to the top of the mountain for hiking, picnicking, or just sightseeing.

Weddings and Events - For a company picnic, family reunion or elegant wedding, Brundage Mountain provides the perfect environment and facilities for your event. Professional planning, catering and organizing, as well as the breathtaking natural beauty, are just a few of the benefits.

Summer Concerts - From Rock to Blues to International, spread-out your blanket and enjoy the sounds and scenery in our grassy amphitheater.

Grand Targhee - Summer in the mountains is made for outdoor adventure. The entire Targhee- Yellowstone- Teton area is laced with trails - a short wildflower walk or all-day hike, it's up to you. Or take a rejuvenating ride up the chairlift for the views of the Grand Teton. Mountain biking at Grand Targhee is exhilarating as you rock and roll up and down through meadows flush with wildflowers and cruise down well-groomed single track. Take your turn at disc golf near the base village. Our climbing wall is a blast. But so is fly fishing, golfing and white water rafting. Luckily, the days are long enough to take it all in.

Lookout Pass - Route of the Hiawatha - This portion of the Olympian Hiawatha route has been called one of the most breathtaking scenic stretches of railroad in the country.  The "crown jewel" of rail-to-trail mountain bicycle trails is operated by Lookout Pass Ski Area which is located adjacent to Hiawatha TunnelI-90 at the Idaho/Montana state line, 12 miles east of historic Wallace, Idaho. The Hiawatha Trail is typically open daily from around May 24 thru October 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PDT. Call ahead to make sure. Every year the snowpack is different so opening date changes. Stay tuned to our news ticker to see opening dates.

Winding through 10 tunnels and 7 high trestles, this 15-mile route crosses the rugged Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana. The Route of the Hiawatha is best known for the long, dark St. Paul Pass, or Taft Tunnel, which burrows for 1.66 miles under the Idaho/Montana state line.

With an incredible history beginning in 1906 of construction, hardships and calamities, unprecedented electrification, and of carrying passengers and freight from the Northwest to the Midwest, generations of railroaders kept the Milwaukee Road running until it finally went bankrupt in 1977. The last train west of Butte, Montana passed through in 1980. After that the line was abandoned.

With government funding and private donations, the rails were removed, and the construction of this spectacular wilderness bicycle and hiking trail was undertaken in 1997. The Idaho portion of the trail first opened for public use on May 29, 1998. The St. Paul Pass, or Taft Tunnel, was completed in May of 2001, and is now open for bike riding.

Schweitzer - June 26th is opening day for summer operations at Schweitzer. Join us for Scenic Chairlift Rides, Mountain Biking, Hiking & More!

Silver Mountain - As one of the most unique amenities at any mountain resort, the Silver Rapids Waterpark makes Silver Mountain a great multi-season destination. But there are plenty of more reasons to come here this summer.

Silver Mountain is the region's premier fat-tire playground. You’ll find an extensive network of cross country and downhill mountain biking trails. If you’re up for it, don’t miss the roller-coaster descent back to the resort's Gondola Village. The 3.1-mile gondola ride whisks you to the top. Take a few laps in a day and rack up the vertical for the best mountain bike action around.

If you have ever wanted to learn to fly fish, the breathtaking scenery of Northern Idaho is the place to do it.  Silver Mountain can help you plan your visit and set you up with expert instruction with the Fly Fish and Stay package.

But you don’t have to bike, hike fish or golf to enjoy Silver Mountain. Simply take a scenic gondola ride on the World's Longest Gondola and get inspired by the panoramic view and crisp mountain air.

Sun Valley - World famous Bald Mountain is now open to sightseers and adventurers all summer long. Whether you want a relaxing day in the wildflowers, or a challenging journey through the rugged beauty of Idaho's wilderness, a day on Bald Mountain promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Sun Valley offers nearly 28 miles of hiking and biking trails that give you plenty of room to explore beautiful Bald Mountain. Feel free to tackle the trails yourself, and discover all the little things that make the Bald Mountain experience so unique.

For the true "gear head," Bald Mountain offers everything from challenging uphill climbs to extreme downhill switchbacks covering over 3,000 vertical feet. Grab your water bottle and helmet and dig in to nearly 28 miles of intense trails covering everything the Idaho wilderness can throw at you.  Visit Pete Lane's Mountain Sports for bike rentals- get a free summer lift day pass when you rent a bike at Pete Lane's. 

A new 5 mile trail system called the Sun Valley White Clouds hiking and biking trail is now open directly across the street from the Sun Valley Lodge entrance.  Take a hike around the new 9 hole White Clouds golf course with beautiful views of the valley.

Inquire about additional hiking and biking in the area at the Sun Valley Ticket Office (208) 622-6136 or contact the Sun Valley concierge (208) 622-2097.

SKI IDAHO EVENTS

Snow fun and sun - that's what Idaho is all about.  Discover the fun you can have in Idaho this March! 

Bogus Basin - April 11 – 2009 SKIESTA!  Our end-of-season celebration is this Saturday! It's Bogus Basin’s 2009 SKIESTA! Come celebrate a great season and make some final turns. The fun starts at 9am.

Brundage - April 11 -- Pond Skimming & Brundage Mountain Crazy Daze 3rd Annual Pond Skimming Contest and Way-Older-Than-That Crazy Daze

April 12 -- Brundage Mountain Ski Marathon Racers start in bib order at 1 minute intervals. There may be several racers on the course at once. Each competitor must make all the gates, controlled passing is allowed, and healthy camaraderie encouraged.

April 18 & 19th -- Bonus Weekend A snowy March and powdery start to the month of April has given Brundage Mountain just what it needs to extend its winter season. The resort plans to be open seven days a week through April 12, and has now added its first “Bonus Weekend” of the season, Saturday, April 18th and Sunday, April 19th.

The McCall, Idaho ski area saw 52 inches of accumulation in March. The snow base is up to 70 inches at the lodge and 98 inches at the summit.

The resort will be assessing snow conditions and visitor interest in the coming weeks in hopes of adding even more bonus weekends.

Lookout Pass - April 11 & 18 Free Ski Day!

Silver Mountain - April 11  & April 18  Silver Saturday, conditions permitting. 

April 25  5th Annual Leadman: Ski/Board/Bike/Run

Grand Targhee - April 11 -- 9th Annual Cardboard Box Derby Join our sponsors at Grand Targhee Resort for the 9th Annual Spring Cardboard Box Derby. What a great way to end the season!

April 12 -- Closing Day for Winter Operations

April 12 -- Grand Targhee Ski Team Rubber Leg Race This fun race will be a modified Giant Slalom course starting from the top of Dream Catcher lift set down Ladies Waist gully.

April 12 – Easter Service Non-denominational Easter Service on Teewinot Lodge Deck
With our closing day coinciding with Easter Sunday this year, we have planned a non-denominational service at 7 am on on the deck of Teewinot Lodge (may be moved indoors due to inclement weather).

Sun Valley - April 12 -- Last Day of the Ski Season.  The 2008/2009 Ski Season comes to a close. See you in 228 days for the 2009/210 Season!

SKI IDAHO MEMBERS:

Bald Mountain - Bogus Basin - Brundage - Cottonwood Butte - Grand Targhee - Kelly Canyon - Little Ski Hill - Lookout Pass - Lost Trail - Magic Mountain - Pebble Creek - Pomerelle - Schweitzer Mountain - Silver Mountain - Snow Haven - Soldier Mountain - Sun Valley - Tamarack